Slovakia 2-0 Slovenia: Schmiedlova and Hruncakova set the pace
12/04/2024 16:32
Slovakia moved into a commanding position in their Qualifiers tie against 2023 Billie Jean King Cup semi-finalists Slovenia as Anna Schmiedlova and Viktoria Hruncakova won their singles matches in Bratislava to secure a 2-0 lead
By Kevin Palmer
With the player rankings favouring the home side, there was expectation for the Slovakians, but this brought additional pressure for Matej Liptak’s team.
Anna Schmiedlova handed Slovakia the perfect start, recording a 6-4 6-3 win against Ela Nala Milic.
The match was won with a classy backhand down the line from the Slovakian, much to the delight of the vocal home fans at the Peugeot Arena.
It was Schmiedlova’s tenth victory in the Billie Jean King Cup singles, with the world No.68 getting the better of a player ranked at No.812.
“It wasn’t as easy as the ranking shows,” Schmiedlova said. “All the players from my team know this is a team competition and the ranking doesn’t mean as much.
“My opponent is very young, a very aggressive player. She surprised me. I had to bring my best game to win.”
Remarkably, 13 of 19 games in the match went against serve, with the swings in the match ensuring it was compelling viewing.
“She played really aggressive,” Schmiedlova added. “It was a bit of a struggle, but I also played pretty good on her serve.
“I’m very thankful to the fans to come out and support us on a Friday. I know it’s not easy to find time to come out on a work day.”
Slovakia cemented their control in the tie as Viktoria Hruncakova produced an impressive performance to beat Veronika Erjavec 6-1 5-7 6-3.
This match looked set to be a one-sided affair as Hruncakova saved the three break points she faced in the first set and converted two of her own to secure the forge ahead.
World No.203 Erjavec showed commendable fighting spirit in the second set and had three break points to get a foothold in the contest.
Two too the good ✌️
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 12, 2024
Viktoria Hruncakova wins a thrilling contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 against Erjavec to give Slovakia a 2-0 lead in the tie! 🇸🇰#BJKCup pic.twitter.com/RafUbxcTo5
The Slovenian broke world No.146 Hruncakova when she served for the match at 5-4 in the second and went on to claim the set, but Hruncakova recovered her composure to claim her 12th singles win in the Billie Jean King Cup.
“At the end of the second set, it was one game that decided it was going to be much more complicated,” Hruncakova said, having had two match points at the end of the second set. “I’m just glad I forgot about it and focused on what was in front of me.
“I think it’s amazing to have a 2-0 lead. You go to sleep easier. We will have one point to go.”
Slovakia captain Liptak was satisfied with his side’s performance, suggesting it was a challenging opening day.
“It is never easy in a team competition,” he said. I’m really happy we are leading 2-0 and it means we have three chances to close the match. My players showed experience and good emotion at the important moments.”
Slovenia will take heart from their experience last season, when they came back from 2-0 down in the Qualifiers to beat Romania and make it through to the Finals in Seville.
An upbeat Slovenia captain Andrej Krasevec insisted he still hopes for a comeback as he said with enthusiasm: "I saw two great matches today. I'm so proud of my girls. Unfortunately, we are 2-0 down to the Slovakian team. Tomorrow is a new day and a new chance. We are going to win it!"
Slovakia v Slovenia
